Congratulations — you now understand Medicare better than 90% of people turning 65. This final lesson gives you a clear action plan based on where you are in your Medicare journey.
If You Are Turning 65 in the Next 6 Months
- 1Confirm your Part A and Part B enrollment dates (sign up at ssa.gov or your local Social Security office 3 months before your birthday).
- 2Start comparing Medigap plans NOW. Your 6-month OEP starts when Part B begins.
- 3Get quotes from multiple carriers in your ZIP code — rates can vary by $50-100/month for the same plan.
- 4Choose a Part D drug plan that covers your specific medications at the lowest cost.
- 5Cancel or coordinate with any existing coverage (employer, marketplace, COBRA, etc.).
If You Are Already on Medicare Without Supplemental Coverage
- 1Understand that you may face medical underwriting for Medigap (health questions, potential denial).
- 2Check if your state has a birthday rule or other guaranteed issue protections that give you an annual switching window.
- 3Consider Medicare Advantage as an alternative if you cannot qualify for Medigap due to health conditions.
- 4Talk to a licensed agent who can assess your options based on your specific health history.
If You Are on Medicare Advantage and Considering a Switch
- 1Know that you can switch to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7) or the MA Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - Mar 31).
- 2You will need to apply for Medigap separately — and medical underwriting applies after your OEP.
- 3If you are healthy, you may qualify. If you have conditions, talk to an agent first to assess your options.
- 4You will also need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan when leaving Advantage.
Why Work with a Licensed Agent
Licensed agents represent multiple carriers (not just one) — they can show you all your options.
They compare rates across all available carriers in your specific ZIP code.
There is no cost to you — agents are compensated by the carrier, not the client.
They can help you navigate underwriting if you are outside your OEP.
They provide ongoing service — annual reviews, rate shopping, and claims help.
You have made it through the entire course — you now know more about Medicare than 90% of people turning 65. Here is my final piece of advice: do not go it alone. Medicare decisions are complex, and the stakes are high. A wrong choice during your Open Enrollment Period can follow you for decades. Talk to a licensed, independent agent who can look at your specific situation — your health, your medications, your budget, your doctors — and give you a personalized recommendation. That is exactly what we do at MedicareFAQ, and it costs you nothing.
Ready to Compare Plans Before Your OEP Starts?
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Knowledge Check
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Q1.You are turning 65 in 4 months. What is the FIRST thing you should do regarding Medicare?
Q2.Working with a licensed, independent Medicare agent costs you:
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